Life + Culture

What's New in Waconia

Ideas for tailoring a Valentine’s Day that speaks to every kind of love Article by Emily McKeever In the book  The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts , you’ve got your words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. While it’s always considerate to respect your main squeeze, confidant, or partner by honoring the way they experience and convey love, on February 14th (or somewhere in that neighborhood), it’s sort of… required. So, give a heartfelt...

Arts + Culture

Sweet Love

Float on air, and Candie Clouds, this Valentine’s Day Article by Emily McKeever Love can make you feel as if there are butterflies in your stomach, like you’re falling head over heels or that you’re on cloud nine. Heads somersaulting over heels feels a little scary and unsafe, and who wants anything fluttering anywhere in their body? But cloud nine? Ahhh… now that sounds nice. What if cloud nine was, in fact, a cloud, but one that was made of delicious cotton candy? What if you could have it...

Food + Beverage

Brewing Community and Curating Creativity

Meet Jon Schmidt and learn how his passions created a community oasis Article by Amanda Wagner | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Jon Schmidt is more than a local artist; he is the visionary owner of the Mocha Monkey coffeehouses, where caffeine meets community, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the creative spirit. After a transformative stint in India, Jon knew he wasn’t cut out for the corporate world. Jon’s initial foray into the arts came serendipitously during...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

When Cupid Misses Article by Jen Fortner Valentine’s Day is a much-maligned holiday these days. It’s criticized for being too commercial, too manufactured, too consumer-focused, too much. I always loved the childhood Valentine swaps, and I like red- and pink-themed clothing and can even choke down some chalky conversation hearts. There are the charming chocolates in faux velvet heart-shaped boxes. The bouquets of expensive roses in the dead of winter. The cards. Again, the chocolate. Plus...

Shopping

Valentine’s Day is Near (Hint, Hint!)

Spread the love with these heartfelt gifts from local businesses   Article by Emily McKeever For him:  Body Gray’s and The Brass Hat Dive Shop branded gear. Serve up some love with a T-shirt, hat, or whiskey glass where your best guy gets his favorite pizza and Old Fashioneds. For her:  Style from Shop Chicks Pour time and love into an outfit for your lady, picked by you! Cozy sweaters, gorgeous earrings, and more. Need some help? Their friendly employees would love to collaborate! For...

Health + Wellness

A Balancing Act

We ask the expert: Randy Young shares how to discover your passion and do what you love Article by Lauren Beaubaire | Photography by Forever Young Photography When was the last time you carved out some space, just for yourself, to do something you love? If you’re still trying to remember, you will want to keep reading. Too often, for so many of us, taking the time to do something you love or pursue a passion takes a backseat. The day-to-day, work, kids, spouse, and trying to figure out what’s...

Sports + Recreation

Cultivating Growth Through Dance

Experience the mental & physical rewards of dance with Cultivate Dance Collaborative Article by Lutie Ronglien | Photography by Crown of Life Photo and Video Cultivate Dance Collaborative in downtown Waconia is one of the newest dance studios in the area. Co-owners Maddie Burnham and Melissa Brown Guenther both hold degrees in dance. Maddie has been teaching and producing work with her dance company, 8:20, for the past five years. Melissa has also produced her own work and has been teaching...

Home Services

What’s New in Waconia

Leave your worries at the door with Northern Nest Services Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Photography Before you set the thermostat low, leave a few lights on and lock up to enjoy a family getaway, there’s a heckuva lot to do. From packing suitcases to cleaning up your inbox at work, it’s a wonder you get out of the house on time and in one piece. There’s also the house to get prepped and the non-human children to get squared away. Call the pet sitter, ask the neighbor...

Sports + Recreation

Fitness and Fun for All

Safari Island Community Center is your indoor haven for staying active despite the cold Article by Amanda Wagner Waconia’s Safari Island Community Center is the perfect place to stay active all year round. With something for all ages and ensuring that even during the coldest months, this community center offers residents a welcoming space to stay fit and engaged. With a rich array of amenities and activities, Safari Island offers an inclusive environment that encourages everyone, from toddlers...

Health + Wellness

A Healthy Indulgence

From resolution to reward with the expert help of Registered and Licensed Dietician Andrew Akhaphong Article by Alison Lee Happy New Year! Another holiday season, done and dusted. Gone as quickly as it arrived. And if you’re like most of the population, the last three months may have left you with a souvenir around your midline. If you’re suffering from a little post-holiday food guilt, let me offer up some encouragement, support, and a resource to help you pivot and proclaim some new healthy...